Rising receivables

This refers to the news report ‘Power sector receivables doubled during present regime’ (Mar 17). The receivables have ballooned to an alarming level – from Rs411 billion in 2013 to Rs 720 billion in the current fiscal year. This situation will continue to worsen unless the authorities concerned take some drastic measures to counter this issue. All defaulters should be given a deadline to pay their dues. If any consumer – especially the commercial one – fails to do so, the authorities should disconnect power supply without delay. The authorities should be strict with those consumers who have commercial connections and who fail to pay bill in time.

When a person pays the bill after the deadline, he/she has to pay surcharge. However, the same rule is not applied to corporate bigwigs that default on a regular basis. On the other hand, in residential areas, the authorities should keep an eye on power theft. The survival of the power sector can only be made possible, if the authorities counter malpractices that result in the loss of power.

Engr Riaz Akbar ( Wah Cantt )